Register      Login
Environmental Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Society
Environmental problems - Chemical approaches
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Distribution and source estimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal sediments from Seto Inland Sea, Japan

Hiroaki Tsuji A , Waqar Azeem Jadoon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5750-3173 A B , Yoko Nunome C , Hideo Yamazaki D , Satoshi Asaoka E , Kazuhiko Takeda A C and Hiroshi Sakugawa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1903-3078 A C F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.

B Department of Environmental Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

C Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.

D Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan.

E Research Center for Inland Seas, Kobe University, 5-1-1 Fukaeminami, Higashinada, Kobe, 658-0022, Japan.

F Corresponding author. Email: hsakuga@hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Environmental Chemistry 17(7) 488-497 https://doi.org/10.1071/EN20005
Submitted: 8 January 2020  Accepted: 31 March 2020   Published: 22 May 2020

Environmental context. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are carcinogenic environmental contaminants that tend to migrate into the sediments in oceans and seas. Their vertical distribution in sediments from the Seto Inland Sea matched their emission over time, which in turn reflected changes in energy sources and industrial activities in Japan. This study shows that human activities on land directly and significantly influence the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments.

Abstract. Seventeen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified in sediment cores collected at several locations in the Seto Inland Sea in 2015 and 2016 to understand their spatial distribution and potential emission sources. PAHs were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The age of the sediment cores was analysed using radioisotopic dating techniques to reconstruct historical PAH emissions. The total concentrations of 17 PAHs in the sediment cores of Osaka Bay in 2015 were in the range of 108–2810 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) with a mean concentration of 1050 ng g−1 dw. The total concentrations of 17 PAHs in sediment cores from the Seto Inland Sea in 2016 were in the range of 52.6–941 ng g−1 dw with a mean concentration of 313 ng g−1 dw. The spatial distribution of PAHs showed the highest concentration in Osaka Bay and the lowest in Kii Channel in 2016. The horizontal PAH distribution showed a decreasing trend in concentrations from the estuary offshore to Osaka Bay and Aki-Nada. The vertical PAH distribution revealed that levels were higher before the 1980s–1990s, when oil consumption and industrial activities in the Osaka region reached a maximum in the 20th century. The diagnostic ratios of PAHs and a principal component analysis revealed three main emission sources of PAHs, industry, biomass burning and traffic activities.


References

Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (2019). Japan’s Energy White Paper, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Tokyo, Japan. Available at https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/about/whitepaper/2017html/2-1-1.html (in Japanese) [verified 18 February 2020]

Alexander C, Smith R, Loganathan B, Ertel J, Wisdom HL, Lee RF (1999). Pollution History of the Savannah River Estuary and Comparisons with Baltic Sea Pollution History. Limnologica 29, 267–273.
Pollution History of the Savannah River Estuary and Comparisons with Baltic Sea Pollution HistoryCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bergamasco A, Culotta L, Stefano CD, Orecchio S, Sammartano S, Barreca S (2014). Composition, distribution, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Gulf of Milazzo (Mediterranean Sea, Italy). Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds 34, 397–424.
Composition, distribution, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Gulf of Milazzo (Mediterranean Sea, Italy)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bigus P, Tobiszewski M, Namieśnik J (2014). Historical records of organic pollutants in sediment cores. Marine Pollution Bulletin 78, 26–42.
Historical records of organic pollutants in sediment coresCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24300286PubMed |

Boonyatumanond R, Wattayakorn G, Togo A, Takada H (2006). Distribution and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in riverine, estuarine, and marine sediments in Thailand. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52, 942–956.
Distribution and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in riverine, estuarine, and marine sediments in ThailandCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16487985PubMed |

Brewster CS, Sharma VK, Cizmas L, McDonald TJ (2018). Occurrence, distribution and composition of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores from the Lower Fox River, Wisconsin, US. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 25, 4974–4988.
Occurrence, distribution and composition of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores from the Lower Fox River, Wisconsin, USCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29204943PubMed |

Cai YZ, Wang XH, Wu YL, Li YY, Ya ML (2016). Over 100-year sedimentary record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine compounds (OCs) in the continental shelf of the East China Sea. Environmental Pollution 219, 774–784.
Over 100-year sedimentary record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine compounds (OCs) in the continental shelf of the East China SeaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Davis E, Walker TR, Adams M, Willis R, Norris GA, Henry RC (2019). Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in small craft harbor (SCH) surficial sediments in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Science of the Total Environment 691, 528–537.
Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in small craft harbor (SCH) surficial sediments in Nova Scotia, CanadaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31325853PubMed |

Duan XY, Liu JQ, Zhang DL, Yin P, Li YX, Li XG (2015). An assessment of human influences on sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the estuarine and coastal sediments of China. Marine Pollution Bulletin 97, 309–318.
An assessment of human influences on sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the estuarine and coastal sediments of ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fujiwara T (1983). Water mass exchange between the Seto Inland Sea and the open ocean. Umi to Sora (Sea and Sky) 59, 7–17. [in Japanese, with English abstract]

Gu YG, Lin Q, Lu TT, Ke CL, Sun RX, Du FY (2013). Levels, composition profiles and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from Nan’ao Island, a representative mariculture base in South China. Marine Pollution Bulletin 75, 310–316.
Levels, composition profiles and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from Nan’ao Island, a representative mariculture base in South ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23941805PubMed |

Habibullah-Al-Mamun M, Ahmed MK, Hossain A, Masunaga S (2019). Distribution, source apportionment, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surficial sediments from the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 76, 178–190.
Distribution, source apportionment, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surficial sediments from the coastal areas of BangladeshCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30259080PubMed |

Han B, Zheng L, Lin F (2019). Risk assessment and source apportionment of PAHs in surface sediments from Caofeidian Long Island, China. Marine Pollution Bulletin 145, 42–46.
Risk assessment and source apportionment of PAHs in surface sediments from Caofeidian Long Island, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31590806PubMed |

Hayakawa K (2016). Environmental Behaviors and Toxicities of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 64, 83–94.
Environmental Behaviors and Toxicities of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic HydrocarbonsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hu LM, Guo ZG, Shi XF, Qin YW, Lei K, Zhang G (2011). Temporal trends of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the Bohai Sea, China: Evidence from the sedimentary record. Organic Geochemistry 42, 1181–1193.
Temporal trends of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the Bohai Sea, China: Evidence from the sedimentary recordCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jadoon WA, Sakugawa H (2016). Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Their potential health risks and sources at three non-urban sites in Japan. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A 51, 884–899.
Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Their potential health risks and sources at three non-urban sites in JapanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jadoon WA, Kondo H, Sakugawa H (2015). Distribution and sources of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air of Kamihaya, central Japan. Geochemical Journal 49, 207–217.
Distribution and sources of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air of Kamihaya, central JapanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kanaoka C (2005). Current situation of the study on hot gas cleaning. Earozoru Kenkyu (Journal of Aerosol Research) 20, 5–11.
Current situation of the study on hot gas cleaningCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kannan K, Johnson-Restrepo B, Yohn SS, Giesy JP, Long DT (2005). Spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Michigan Inland Lakes. Environmental Science & Technology 39, 4700–4706.
Spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Michigan Inland LakesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kaonga CC, Takeda K, Sakugawa H (2015). Antifouling agents and Fenitrothion contamination in seawater, sediments, plankton, fish and selected marine animals from the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Geochemical Journal 49, 23–37.
Antifouling agents and Fenitrothion contamination in seawater, sediments, plankton, fish and selected marine animals from the Seto Inland Sea, JapanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Khim JS, Kannan K, Villeneuve DL, Koh CH, Giesy JP (1999). Characterization and distribution of trace organic contaminants in sediment from Masan Bay, Korea. 1. Instrumental analysis. Environmental Science & Technology 33, 4199–4205.
Characterization and distribution of trace organic contaminants in sediment from Masan Bay, Korea. 1. Instrumental analysisCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kim GB, Maruya KA, Lee RF, Lee JH, Koh CH, Tanabe S (1999). Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Kyeonggi Bay, Korea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 38, 7–15.
Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Kyeonggi Bay, KoreaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rinawati , Koike T, Koike H, Kurumisawa R, Ito M, Sakurai S, Togo A, Saha M, Arifin Z, Takada H (2012). Distribution, source identification, and historical trends of organic micropollutants in coastal sediment in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. Journal of Hazardous Materials 217–218, 208–216.
Distribution, source identification, and historical trends of organic micropollutants in coastal sediment in Jakarta Bay, IndonesiaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22480710PubMed |

Krishnaswamy S, Lal D, Martin JM, Meybeck M (1971). Geochronology of lake sediments. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 11, 407–414.
Geochronology of lake sedimentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kumar KS, Sajwan KS, Richardson JP, Kannan K (2008). Contamination profiles of heavy metals, organochlorine pestisides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylphenols in sediment and oyster collected from marsh/estuarine Savannah GA, USA. Marine Pollution Bulletin 56, 136–149.
Contamination profiles of heavy metals, organochlorine pestisides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylphenols in sediment and oyster collected from marsh/estuarine Savannah GA, USACrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Larsen RK, Baker JE (2003). Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the urban atmosphere: A comparison of three methods. Environmental Science & Technology 37, 1873–1881.
Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the urban atmosphere: A comparison of three methodsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lee CL, Hsieh MT, Fang MD (2005). Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Kaohsiung harbour and adjacent coast, Taiwan. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 100, 217–234.
Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Kaohsiung harbour and adjacent coast, TaiwanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15727309PubMed |

Li WH, Tian YZ, Shi GL, Guo CS, Li X, Feng YC (2012). Concentrations and sources of PAHs in surface sediments of the Fenhe reservoir and watershed, China. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 75, 198–206.
Concentrations and sources of PAHs in surface sediments of the Fenhe reservoir and watershed, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21903267PubMed |

Lima ALC, Farrington JW, Reddy CM (2005). Combustion-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment – A review. Environmental Forensics 6, 109–131.
Combustion-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment – A reviewCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu LY, Wang JZ, Wei GL, Guan YF, Wong CS, Zeng EY (2012). Sediment records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the continental shelf of China: Implications for evolving anthropogenic impacts. Environmental Science & Technology 46, 6497–6504.
Sediment records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the continental shelf of China: Implications for evolving anthropogenic impactsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu N, Zhang D, Cen K, Cui L, Li J, Liu Q, Lu J, Lin X (2018). Influence of anthropogenic activities on the temporal and spatial variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments of Jiangsu coastal zone, China. Continental Shelf Research 170, 11–20.
Influence of anthropogenic activities on the temporal and spatial variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments of Jiangsu coastal zone, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ma YX, Halsall CJ, Xie ZY, Koetke D, Mi WY, Ebinghaus R, Gao GP (2017). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ocean sediments from the North Pacific to the Arctic Ocean. Environmental Pollution 227, 498–504.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ocean sediments from the North Pacific to the Arctic OceanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mai B, Qi S, Zeng EY, Yang Q, Zhang G, Fu J, Sheng G, Peng P, Wang Z (2003). Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coastal region off Macao, China: Assessment of input sources and transport pathways using compositional analysis. Environmental Science & Technology 37, 4855–4863.
Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coastal region off Macao, China: Assessment of input sources and transport pathways using compositional analysisCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Makino H (2001). Coal utilization and dust collection technology (part 1) –Improvement of dust collection technology on pulverized coal combustion. Funtai–kogakkaishi (Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan) 38, 562–568.
Coal utilization and dust collection technology (part 1) –Improvement of dust collection technology on pulverized coal combustionCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mandić J, Tronczyński J, Kušpilić G (2018). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the mid-Adriatic and along the Croatian coast: Levels, distributions and sources. Environmental Pollution 242, 519–527.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the mid-Adriatic and along the Croatian coast: Levels, distributions and sourcesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30005264PubMed |

Maskaoui K, Hu Z (2009). Contamination and ecotoxicology risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Shantou coastal waters, China. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 82, 172–178.
Contamination and ecotoxicology risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Shantou coastal waters, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18773133PubMed |

Matsumoto E (1975). 210Pb geochronology of sediment from Lake Shinji. Geochemical Journal 9, 167–172.
210Pb geochronology of sediment from Lake ShinjiCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McCready S, Slee DJ, Birch GF, Taylor SE (2000). The Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surficial Sediments of Sydney Harbour, Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin 40, 999–1006.
The Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surficial Sediments of Sydney Harbour, AustraliaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Medeiros PM, Bícego MC (2004). Investigation of natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs in sediments using geochemical markers. I. Santos, SP–Brazil. Marine Pollution Bulletin 49, 761–769.
Investigation of natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs in sediments using geochemical markers. I. Santos, SP–BrazilCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15530519PubMed |

Miki S, Uno S, Ito K, Koyama J, Tanaka H (2014). Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Osaka Bay, Japan. Marine Pollution Bulletin 85, 558–565.
Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Osaka Bay, JapanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24775067PubMed |

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (2019). Industrial statistics survey, Industrial statics archives. METI, Tokyo, Japan. Available at https://www.meti.go.jp/statistics/tyo/kougyo/archives/index.html (in Japanese) [verified 18 February 2020]

Mostafa AR, Barakat AO, Qian Y, Wade TL (2003). Composition, distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the western harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. Journal of Soils and Sediments 3, 173–179.
Composition, distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the western harbour of Alexandria, EgyptCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Naito R, Nakamura Y, Urase T, Okumura H (2008). Environmental fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments in Nagoya Port. Mizu Kankyo Gakkaishi (Journal of Japan Society on Water Environment) 31, 549–557.
Environmental fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments in Nagoya PortCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

National Institute for Environmental Studies (2009). Haien–datsuryu–gijutsu (Flue gas desulfurization technology). NIES, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. Available at http://tenbou.nies.go.jp/science/description/detail.php?id=32 (in Japanese) [verified 3 March 2020]

Nunome Y, Tsuji H, Jadoon WA, Sakugawa H, Chiba S (2018). Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay. Chikyukagaku (Geochemistry) 52, 95–105.
Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Ise Bay and Mikawa BayCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Onozato M, Nishigaki A, Okoshi K (2016). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and bivalves on the Pacific Coast of Japan: Influence of Tsunami and Fire. PLoS One 11, e0156447
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and bivalves on the Pacific Coast of Japan: Influence of Tsunami and FireCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27232189PubMed |

Oros DR, Ross JRM (2005). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bivalves from the San Francisco estuary: Spatial distributions, temporal trends, and sources (1993–2001). Marine Environmental Research 60, 466–488.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bivalves from the San Francisco estuary: Spatial distributions, temporal trends, and sources (1993–2001)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15924995PubMed |

Ozaki N, Takeuchi S, Kojima K, Kindaichi T, Komatsu T, Fukushima T (2012). PAHs concentration and toxicity in organic solvent extracts of atmosheric particulate matter and sea sediments. Water Science and Technology 66, 983–992.
PAHs concentration and toxicity in organic solvent extracts of atmosheric particulate matter and sea sedimentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22797225PubMed |

Rasiq KT, El-Maradny A, Bashir MEA, Orif M (2018). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of two polluted lagoons in Saudi Arabia. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 27, 275–285.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of two polluted lagoons in Saudi ArabiaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ravindra K, Sokhi R, Grieken RV (2008). Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Source attribution, emission factors and regulation. Atmospheric Environment 42, 2895–2921.
Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Source attribution, emission factors and regulationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raza M, Zakaria MP, Hashim NR, Yim UH, Kannan N, Ha SY (2013). Compostion and source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mangrove sediments of Peninsular Malaysia: indication of anthropogenic input. Environmental Earth Sciences 70, 2425–2436.
Compostion and source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mangrove sediments of Peninsular Malaysia: indication of anthropogenic inputCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Robbins JA, Edgington DN (1975). Determination of recent sedimentation rates in Lake Michigan using Pb-210 and Cs-137. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 39, 285–304.
Determination of recent sedimentation rates in Lake Michigan using Pb-210 and Cs-137Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ross JRM, Oros DR (2004). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the San Francisco Estuary water column: Sources, spatial distributions, and temporal trends (1993–2001). Chemosphere 57, 909–920.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the San Francisco Estuary water column: Sources, spatial distributions, and temporal trends (1993–2001)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rybak J, Olejniczak T (2014). Accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the spider webs in the vicinity of road traffic emissions. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 21, 2313–2324.
Accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the spider webs in the vicinity of road traffic emissionsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24057980PubMed |

Simcik MF, Offenberg JH (2006). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Great Lakes. In ‘Persistent organic pollutants in the Great Lakes’. (Ed. RA Hites) Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, 5N, pp. 307–353 (Springer: Berlin)

Takeoka H (2002). Progress in Seto Inland Sea Research. Journal of Oceanography 58, 93–107.
Progress in Seto Inland Sea ResearchCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tanaka Y (2013). A study on the seasonal variation of water exchange in a semi-enclosed bay. Dobokugakkai Ronbunshu B2 – Kaigan Kogaku (Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers B2 –Coastal Engineering) 69, I_1061–I_1065.
A study on the seasonal variation of water exchange in a semi-enclosed bayCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tham YWF, Takeda K, Sakugawa H (2008). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with atmospheric particles in Higashi Hiroshima, Japan: Influence of meteorological conditions and seasonal variations. Atmospheric Research 88, 224–233.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with atmospheric particles in Higashi Hiroshima, Japan: Influence of meteorological conditions and seasonal variationsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tobiszewski M, Namiesnik J (2012). PAH diagnostic ratios for the identification of pollution emission sources. Environmental Pollution 162, 110–119.
PAH diagnostic ratios for the identification of pollution emission sourcesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22243855PubMed |

Wang XC, Zhang YX, Chen RF (2001). Distribution and partitioning of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different size fractions in sediments from Boston Harbor, United States. Marine Pollution Bulletin 42, 1139–1149.
Distribution and partitioning of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different size fractions in sediments from Boston Harbor, United StatesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11763227PubMed |

Wang ZC, Liu ZF, Xu KH, Mayer LM, Zhang ZL, Kolker AS, Wu W (2014). Concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface coastal sediments of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Geochemical Transactions 15, 2
Concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface coastal sediments of the northern Gulf of MexicoCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yamashita N, Kannan K, Imagawa T, Villeneuve DL, Hashimoto S, Miyazaki A, Giesy JP (2000). Vertical Profile of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Dibenzofurans, Naphthalenes, Biphenyls, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Alkylphenols in a Sediment Core from Tokyo Bay, Japan. Environmental Science & Technology 34, 3560–3567.
Vertical Profile of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, Dibenzofurans, Naphthalenes, Biphenyls, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Alkylphenols in a Sediment Core from Tokyo Bay, JapanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yasuhara M, Yamazaki H (2005). The impact of 150 years of anthropogenic pollution on the shallow marine ostracode fauna, Osaka Bay, Japan. Marine Micropaleontology 55, 63–74.
The impact of 150 years of anthropogenic pollution on the shallow marine ostracode fauna, Osaka Bay, JapanCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yim UH, Hong SH, Shim WJ, Oh JR, Chang M (2005). Spatio-temporal distribution and characteristics of PAHs in sediments from Masan Bay, Korea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50, 319–326.
Spatio-temporal distribution and characteristics of PAHs in sediments from Masan Bay, KoreaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15757695PubMed |

Yim UH, Hong SH, Shim WJ (2007). Distribution and characteristics of PAHs in sediments from the marine environment of Korea. Chemosphere 68, 85–92.
Distribution and characteristics of PAHs in sediments from the marine environment of KoreaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17267023PubMed |

Yoshie N, Guo X, Fujii N, Komorita T (2011). Ecosystem and nutrient dynamics in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. In ‘Interdisciplinary studies on environmental chemistry − Marine environmental modelling and analysis’. (Eds K Omori, X Guo, N Yoshie, N Fujii, IC Handoh, A Isobe, S Tanabe) pp. 39–49. (Terrapub: Tokyo)

Yun S, Ishiwatari R, Shioya M, Matsumoto E (1983). The characteristics and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from Tokyo Bay. Chikyukagaku (Geochemistry) 17, 53–59.
The characteristics and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from Tokyo BayCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yunker MB, Macdonald RW, Vingarzan R, Mitchell RH, Goyette D, Sylvestre S (2002). PAHs in the Fraser River basin: a critical appraisal of PAH ratios as indicators of PAH source and composition. Organic Geochemistry 33, 489–515.
PAHs in the Fraser River basin: a critical appraisal of PAH ratios as indicators of PAH source and compositionCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zakaria MP, Takada H, Tsutsumi S, Ohno K, Yamada J, Kouno E, Kumata H (2002). Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rivers and estuaries in Malaysia: A widespread input of petrogenic PAHs. Environmental Science & Technology 36, 1907–1918.
Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rivers and estuaries in Malaysia: A widespread input of petrogenic PAHsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |